Eau de Parfum
Created in 1998

Black Bvlgari

Unisex
Eau de Parfum
Year: 1998
Strong
Sillage
Very Good
Longevity
Fall
Best Season
Evening
Best For

Fragrance Story

Black by Bvlgari is a Oriental Woody fragrance for women and men. Black was launched in 1998. The nose behind this fragrance is Annick Menardo. Top notes are Green Tea, Bergamot and Rose; middle notes are Sandalwood, Cedar and Jasmine; base notes are Leather, Vanilla, Amber, Musk and Oakmoss.

Composition Profile

leather 100%
vanilla 85%
animalic 70%
powdery 60%
woody 50%
amber 40%
smoky 35%
musky 30%
green 25%

About the Perfumer

Painting That Reflects Black Bvlgari

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel

The Demon Seated by Mikhail Vrubel, 1890

This evocative painting captures the complex, mysterious aura of the fragrance. The rich textures and contemplative mood mirror the fragrance's depth and striking presence, while the bold use of color reflects its distinctive character.

Classic Song That Matches Black Bvlgari

Song album cover

"Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, 1924

Like Black Bvlgari, Gershwin's masterpiece seamlessly blends contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. The composition's elegant transitions between dynamic and serene passages mirror the fragrance's evolution on skin. Just as this scent brings together traditional and modern elements, "Rhapsody in Blue" merges classical structure with jazz improvisation, creating something sophisticated yet accessible—an auditory parallel to this fragrance's olfactory journey.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

The first impression, lasting 15-30 minutes

Green Tea
Bergamot
Rose

Heart Notes

The core character, lasting 2-4 hours

Sandalwood
Cedar
Jasmine

Base Notes

The lasting impression, 4+ hours

Leather
Vanilla
Amber
Musk
Oakmoss
Unique Character

Black Bvlgari by Bvlgari offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

Black Bvlgari embodies the distinctive style of Bvlgari while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

Black Bvlgari is Ideal For

The Person Who Wears Black Bvlgari

Archetype: The Sovereign

The one who chooses Black Bvlgari is ruled by the Sovereign archetype—a figure of quiet authority, self-possession, and refined control. This fragrance, with its dark, smoky leather, crisp bergamot, and subtle incense, is not loud but undeniable. It does not beg for attention; it assumes it will be given. The Sovereign is not a tyrant, nor a ruler by force, but someone who commands respect through presence alone. They are the one others instinctively defer to, not out of fear, but from an unspoken recognition of their unshaken confidence.

Yet, like all archetypes, the Sovereign has a shadow. The same self-assurance that draws admiration can harden into aloofness, the same control into rigidity. The Sovereign risks becoming a prisoner of their own image, mistaking detachment for strength and solitude for superiority.

Life and Style

Their world is one of deliberate choices—nothing accidental, nothing frivolous. They favor tailored clothing in muted tones: charcoal suits, cashmere sweaters, well-worn leather shoes that suggest both luxury and restraint. Their home is a sanctuary of order—minimalist, but not sterile. A single bold painting on the wall, a shelf of carefully selected books, a record player spinning Miles Davis or Arvo Pärt. They do not follow trends; they set them, often without trying.

They move through life with the ease of someone who has long since stopped questioning their place in the world. Their career is not a ladder to climb but a throne they have already claimed—perhaps as a CEO, a surgeon, a curator, or even an artist who works in silence, producing pieces that demand contemplation rather than applause.

Philosophy and Values

They believe in excellence, not as an aspiration but as a baseline. Mediocrity is not just failure; it is an insult to existence itself. Their morality is not rigid dogma but a personal code—honor, discipline, and the refusal to compromise on what they deem essential. They do not suffer fools, but they are not cruel; they simply have no patience for wasted time.

Yet this very strength can become their weakness. Their disdain for weakness—in others and in themselves—can calcify into intolerance. They may mistake vulnerability for frailty, emotion for instability. Their relationships, though few, are intense, built on mutual respect rather than need. But if they are not careful, their fortress of self-sufficiency becomes a cage.

Relationships and Intimacy

They do not love lightly. When they choose someone, it is with the same deliberation as everything else—a slow, assessing gaze before commitment. Their partner must be their equal, someone who does not cling but stands beside them, unshaken. Romance is not grand gestures but quiet intensity: a hand on the small of the back, a shared glance across a crowded room, a conversation that lingers until dawn.

But intimacy is their greatest challenge. The Sovereign is accustomed to control, and love requires surrender. They may withhold, not out of malice, but from an ingrained belief that dependence is dangerous. Their partner may feel adored but never fully needed—and therein lies the paradox. To be loved by them is to be chosen, but to be needed by them is rare.

The Shadow: The Isolated Monarch

When the Sovereign falls into their shadow, they become the ruler of an empty kingdom. Their self-reliance turns to solitude, their discernment to disdain. They may grow impatient with those who cannot match their standards, withdrawing further into their own world. The very qualities that make them extraordinary—their discipline, their independence—can render them untouchable.

The challenge for the Sovereign is to remember that true strength is not invulnerability but the willingness to be seen, to be flawed, to need. The scent of Black Bvlgari lingers, dark and magnetic, but even the most regal among us must sometimes let the walls down—if only to breathe.

Pros

  • Exceptional longevity that lasts throughout the day
  • Complex evolution offers a rewarding sensory journey
  • Versatile enough for various occasions and seasons
  • Unique composition stands out from mainstream fragrances
  • High-quality ingredients ensure a premium experience

Cons

  • May be too intense for casual everyday wear
  • Higher price point reflects premium positioning
  • Bold projection might be overwhelming in close quarters
  • Certain notes may polarize some noses
  • Not ideal for those who prefer subtle, skin-close scents

Fictional Characters Who Would Wear This

👔

Harvey Specter

from "Suits"

Confident, polished, and always in control – this scent matches his sophisticated persona.

🕶️

James Bond

from "007 Series"

Elegant yet dangerous, with a complex character that unfolds over time, just like the fragrance.

👑

Daenerys Targaryen

from "Game of Thrones"

Commands attention with a powerful presence that balances fiery intensity and regal grace.

🧠

Sherlock Holmes

from "Sherlock Holmes"

Appreciates complexity and nuance, with a distinctive signature that's easily recognized.

💼

Miranda Priestly

from "The Devil Wears Prada"

Exudes authority and refined taste, with an unapologetic boldness that demands respect.